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After buying a home in Kissimmee, you probably are thinking that you have so much to learn about the area. While this is true, don’t stress, here’s what you need to know about life after buying a home in Kissimmee.
HOA’s
When buying a home, it is very important to understand the C&R portion of the HOA, Covenents and Restrictions. There can be governing rules that do not fit your lifestyle. They are designed for most, but don’t fit all. Pet restrictions, house painting etc. A strong HOA with good reserves in good standing is essential. When an HOA is run well, it limits the potential for increases and assessments for common area repairs, etc.
Property Taxes
In some areas in the Central Florida area, there are CDD’s, Community Development Districts. Community development districts (CDDs) are independent special-purpose units of government established to finance basic services within a development, including infrastructure construction, services and maintenance.
Common infrastructure improvements provided by CDDs include:
• drainage
• potable water
• sewerage
• roads and parks
This CDD is incorporated in your Property tax payment. Some Districts have large bonds that can increase the taxes substanitally.
Schools

Researching the grade of your local Schools when purchasing a home are very important. Their grade rating can be found online and an experienced realtor will obtain this information for you.
Transportation

Florida has been improving the transit system for years. When you depend on transit, best to search within city boundaries for best transportation options. Florida is a vast state and driving is essential. Excellent roads get you around quickly, but not all areas are serviced with good public transportation that runs beyond working hours. Living in the Tourist Capital of the world, many occupations require off hours which could be a challenge in some rural locations. An experienced local agent should know the transit options. This is one of my first interview questions when I begin working with a new client.
Entertainment
The locals in Central Florida have many options, with the weather so conducive to outdoor activities, the options are vast. Concerts in the park, Theatre, large venues like the Amway Arena, just to name a few. Locally we have some exceptional museums. Of course, the dining in Central Florida is superb, entertainment of all sorts is at your doorstep. Golf is still a #1 favorite, with over 1480 golf courses in Florida, Central Florida hosts 8 of the top ten best courses. Tennis is a great favorite as well.
Celebrity Neighbors

Have any celebrities recently bought or sold in the area? Since this is a golf/tennis mecca, yes, it is home to many greats…..Tiger Woods, Larry Bird, Oprah Winfrey, Jennifer Capriati, John Travolta, David Cassidy, JC, Sean “P Diddy” Combs, Shaquille O’Neal, and Dennis Rodman, just to name a few!

There are a few must knows when buying a home that any serious buyer should know. These things aren’t top secret industry knowledge, but they’re actually just real estate basics anyone can have access to. Realtor Lorraine Valdes shares some of these must knows in a short interview below!

How can someone identify when a home is overpriced?

A good realtor will know the local market, that is why it is so important to work with someone that is experienced. Days on the market is an indicator… most sellers feel their home is better than the rest and tend to ignore market values and overprice their home, which leads to a home sitting for months. Your realtor’s research is of utmost importance!

I research every home sold in the area before recommending offer price to my buyers.

Research tells me the price per square feet and the financing obtained by other buyers in the area. Once I have that information, I can ascertain what appraisals would have been based on the mortgage type. Current market analysis is performed for every one of my buyers.

What are three things that may usually go wrong when buying a home?

Inspection, finance, and COLD FEET.
Common issues with inspections are faulty wiring, leaking roofs, plumbing issues, heating/cooling system malfunctions. Some serious problems in Florida are traces of mold throughout the structure of the home.
Financing issues usually involve a buyer not being approved for having too low of a credit score, buyer recently lost his/her job, buyer income is not sufficient, the information provided wasn’t consistent, too much debt is being taken on, or because the home appraisal was low.
Cold feet. It just happens. The buyer or the seller just has a change of heart, and that means the deal is off. There are possible penalties to either party depending on the established contract.

What kind of “first-time homebuyer programs” are available?

Many areas in Central Florida are considered for USDA loans, which is a great program. An experienced realtor working with a good lender can place you in the perfect finance program that fits the needs.

Some parting words of advice.

When buying a home, be sure to work with an experienced realtor… A good realtor places ethics first!